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Manmohan, Somnath call for peace
The deadlock between the government and the Opposition continued at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Sunday.
The deadlock between the government and the Opposition continued at an all-party meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Sunday. He appealed to all parties to allow him to conduct the proceedings of Lok Sabha smoothly. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also sought the Opposition’s cooperation.
Muslim board’s new ‘nikahnama’
The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board — while outrightly rejecting any ban on ‘triple talaq’ — has introduced a new nikahnama to reduce the impact of the practice. The nikahnama comes with an added note that seeks an undertaking from the husband and wife that in case of discord they will go for a settlement instead of opting for divorce.
Agni-I test-fired, ready for induction
India test-fired the 700-km, nuclear capable Agni-I medium range ballistic missile for the third time on Sunday. After the successful flight from Wheeler Island off the coast of Orissa, DRDO declared the Agni-I ready for induction into the Army.
BJP plans massive stir against govt
The BJP will launch a ‘Sansad se sadak’ campaign to protest the policies of the Congress-led government to coincide with the beginning of Parliament's budget session. The week-long stir — which starts on Tuesday — would be an attempt to galvanise cadres across the country for the new role of an aggressive national party.
Patil on governors
Home Minister Shivraj Patil is expected to make a statement in both Houses of Parliament to ‘set the record straight’ on the removal of BJP-appointed governors.
Natwar in Singapore
External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh on Sunday held wide-ranging discussions with the political leadership in Singapore. Natwar halted at Singapore on his way back from the Asean Regional Forum meet at Jakarta.
Armitage to visit India
US President George W. Bush is sending his key foreign policy pointsperson Richard Armitage to Delhi for consultations with the new Indian leadership. Armitage is expected to arrive in New Delhi on July 13.
Bus mishap kills 22 in Punjab
Twenty-two people were killed and 11 others injured when a bus packed with pilgrims rammed into a tree in Punjab’s Ferozepur district on Sunday. The driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp curve. The private bus was on its way to Beas from Jalalabad.
IA may seek price cuts before PIB nod
In a deviation from project clearance norms, Indian Airlines might negotiate with the lowest bidder in the fleet acquisition process before the proposal goes to the Public Investment Board.
New broadcaster regulator
The information & broadcasting ministry is actively considering the creation of an independent ‘Broadcast Council of India’ with three members to act as industry regulator. This will effectively mean an end to any hopes of Trai emerging as the broadcast regulator.
‘IFCI merger only after NPAs transfer’
The Punjab National Bank has said that the merger of IFCI with it is possible only after the transfer of the term lending institution’s nonperforming assets to the asset reconstruction company. “The board of the bank has noted that the merger should, inter alia, be subject to transfer of all IFCI’s NPAs to the asset reconstruction company,” PNB chairman S.S. Kohli said.
Neighbours aiding insurgents: Iraq
Iraq’s interim government will publish evidence this week that neighbouring countries have provided help to anti-occupation insurgents, a minister was quoted as saying on Sunday.
End near for Russian oil giant
One of Russia's top oil companies, Yukos, appears headed for bankruptcy after tax authorities seized its Moscow headquarters and arrested its bank accounts at the weekend.
Schumacher wins French Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher’s stranglehold on the 2004 world championship continued in Magny-Cours on Sunday as he claimed his ninth victory of the season in the French Grand Prix.
More woman trouble for Beckham
David Beckham will take legal action against a blonde who claims they had an intimate encounter at a Manchester bar during a Christmas party in 2001. Gaynor Morgan, 29, claimed the nightclub tryst took place while Beckham’s wife Victoria was pregnant with their son Romeo.
Imran on a rebound: Wants to wed again
Imran Khan, who announced the break-up of his marriage with Jemima Goldsmith two weeks ago, has admitted that he would like to remarry by next year. Reports say his two sisters, Rubina and Noreen, have been busy matchmaking and have already identified two suitable matches from his extended family in Mianwali.
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ODDS, ENDS | Quality seals for brothels
The Dutch government is planning to introduce “seals of quality” for well-run brothels and standard contracts for prostitutes, as well as more support for those who want to leave the profession. “The sector has said it wants to develop a seal of quality to improve its image,” the Dutch cabinet said. This seal would be given to prostitution firms, which comply with safety, health and integrity criteria.
Reuters
